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Have you ever been in your morning commute, trying to make it before traffic gets heavy, and said to yourself “I hope I can give a lot today”? We may not think much about giving at work, but if we don’t, we could be missing a great opportunity. Every time we give, good things come back to us; since we spend so much time at our work places, why not give there too?

Giving at work is one of those things we are very cautious about and many times we prefer to be on the safe side. In other words give the minimum or not give. If we are honest, it is hard to give at work because unfortunately not everyone has the same intentions we do. Some people may take advantage of us and use the information we provide against us or to further their own careers and sometimes hurt ours. Some people will do anything for a higher position or a better paycheck, but other people’s actions and behaviors shouldn’t limit ours. Experience will teach us to be careful around the people we can’t trust and to be wise so others won’t take advantage of us, but we can’t allow people to change us for the worse and we shouldn’t hold on to what needs to be shared.

Have you ever thought about what can you give at work? How about…

- Respect: In acting class one of the first lessons they teach is to treat everyone they meet during auditions the same way. Many times the person that greets the actors could be the future director and they will remember someone who is rude and disrespectful. It seems that some people during auditions treat the directors and people in high positions one way, and the rest of the people in a completely different way. Sometimes people in the office show more respect to the partners or the boss and mistreat the secretary or the janitor. Showing respect to every single person is a basic sign of courtesy and it reflects the kind of person you are.

- Encouragement: It is amazing to imagine the difference positive words can make. You don’t know what the person who sits by your side at work is going through, so kind words of encouragement could be greatly needed. Words have power; use yours for good everywhere you go.

- Opportunity: If possible, give the people you work with the chance to grow, learn, and showcase their abilities. If they helped you in a project, let others know. If there is a tough problem that needs to be solved, give them the opportunity to help you with the challenge. As they take on these opportunities, they will gratefully remember you and what you did for them.

- Experiences: Most people don’t like it when others tell them what to do and how to do it, but they do appreciate it when we share our experiences. People like to feel they have the freedom to make their own choices, and when you share your experiences, they will learn from you, but at their own pace and in their own way.

Giving is a win-win situation, even at work. That is how a good reputation is built. Over times, you will be known as a confident person who shares knowledge and experiences and who adds value at the work place and to the people around. Think about it… can you recall that person who maybe years ago gave you an opportunity to work in a project that later gave you better opportunities? Has there been a person in any of your jobs who took the time to get to know you and asked you about your goals and gave you good advice? Can you remember those people whom you have learned from so much and can’t seem to find ways to show them your appreciation? Be that person and give.